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Court: boundaries for state Legislature seats influenced by race

DETROIT (AP) — The boundaries of 13 Detroit-area seats in the Michigan Legislature must be redrawn, a three-judge panel said Thursday after finding the map was illegally influenced by race. Nearly 80% of Detroit residents are Black, but the Black voting age population in the Detroit-area districts mostly ranges from 35% to 45%, the panel said. One is 19%. Experts had repeatedly told a state redistricting commission in 2021 that certain percentages were necessary to comply with federal law. The panel, however, disagreed. “That proposition is without support” in precedents set ...

One person dead in ‘targeted’ Florida shooting

OCALA, Fla. (AP) — A man died in a shooting at a shopping mall in central Florida two days before Christmas in which the victim was “targeted” for the attack, police said. Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken told reporters Saturday evening that the man was killed after he was shot multiple ...

Tape reveals Donald Trump pressured Michigan officials not to certify 2020 vote

DETROIT — Donald Trump pressured two election officials not to certify 2020 vote totals in a key Michigan county, according to a recording of a post-election phone call disclosed in a new report by The Detroit News. The former president ‘s 2024 campaign neither confirmed nor denied the recording’s legitimacy, insisting in a statement that all of Trump’s actions after his defeat to Democrat Joe Biden were taken to uphold his oath of office and ensure fair elections. Trump has consistently repeated falsehoods about the 2020 election as he runs again for the White House. No ...

More US auto buyers are turning to hybrids as sales of EVs slow

DETROIT (AP) — America’s automakers have staked their futures on the notion that electric vehicles will dominate sales in the coming years, spurred by buyers determined to reduce carbon emissions and save on fuel. But so far, while EV sales are growing, their pace is falling well short ...

Counselors get probation for role in teen’s death

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) — Two former youth counselors charged in the death of a teenager more than three years ago who was restrained at a Michigan youth home have been sentenced to 18 months on probation. Michael Mosley, 50, and Zachary Solis, 30, both of Battle Creek, pleaded no contest in March to involuntary manslaughter in the May 1, 2020, death of 16-year-old Cornelius Fredericks at Lakeside Academy in Kalamazoo. Two counts of second-degree child abuse were dropped. A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such at sentencing. Fredericks, 16, died two ...

Ann Arbor phasing in ban on gas-powered leaf blowers

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Leaf blowers are running out of gas in a Michigan college town. Ann Arbor is banning gas-powered blowers, citing noise and pollution. They can still be used from October through May but will be completely prohibited by January 2028 under a four-year phaseout, MLive.com reported. The City Council approved the ordinance, 10-0, Monday. Council member Jenn Cornell said the transition should provide time for landscape contractors to find alternative blowers. Lawn care workers will be “happy to not be abused by having to wear gasoline backpacks and be ...